Exploring the history of Yakuza tattoos can provide an insight into an organization that turned from shame to pride. The tattoos are full body shields that have very detailed designs that include subtle, yet striking colors and tones. The history of this practice is thought to originate around the time of the Shoguns in Japan. Though the meaning has changed over time, they still have a powerful message.
The original ink designs were given to criminals to designate their status. This was meant to be a mark of shame provided to them. The more crimes committed, the more they were marked. Most often, they would begin as an armband. Additional bands were added when they were convicted of future crimes.
The seventeenth century is when they were first known to appear. This was a time of the Shoguns. The criminals that carried the marks were often petty criminals that were known for stealing and other mischief. It is thought that these original criminals were ronin, which were unemployed samurai that no longer had a master, or shogun to follow.
They were like Robin Hood. In the sense that they often would steel from the rich, the ronin and others were known for being compassionate towards the weaker villagers. Since they had no one to follow, they were often involved in smaller mischief. Unfortunately, the criminals were very skilled at what they did, but had no leader or person to protect.
Organized crime began to form from these ranks of criminals. A boss would emerge, and the tattoos would become a symbol of loyalty to the boss. Yakuza is the name of the organized crime syndicate even to this day. The loyalty is expected and demanded of anyone in the organization.
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The markings are now a symbol of pride instead of shame as intended. The ink is applied by being tapped into the skin with a needle attached to a wooden handle. The skill takes years to accomplish and often cannot be duplicated with modern equipment. It is very painful and can cost over $100,000 to be created over two years. The hands and face are often the only area that is not covered in the ink drawings.
The history of Yakuza tattoos tells a story of shame turning to pride. Loyalty at all costs is displayed in the ink markings that originated by marking criminals. They number between 80,000 and 100,000 at any given time. Whether they were like Robin Hood or just mischief-makers, those that were original ronin have become one of the oldest organized crime syndicates.
Yakuza tattoos represent the ultimate in full-color body art. The tradition of Japanese tattoos goes back into early history of the culture.
